Anna Nelson

Anna P. Nelson, DrPH, MPH is an Associate Professor and Program Director at the School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, where she oversees multiple health education and wellness coaching programs. Her roles include directing the DrPH (Online), MPH, and School Certificate programs in Health Education and Wellness Coaching. She holds a Doctor of Public Health from Loma Linda University (2014) and an MPH from the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (2007).

Her research focuses on public health disparities, chronic disease prevention, and global health initiatives. Notable areas include maternal health, HIV/AIDS prevention in Black communities, and the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. She has led studies on barriers to healthcare access, health literacy, and the role of religiosity in diabetes management among Muslim populations.

Nelson’s professional service includes accreditation leadership for public health programs and committee roles at Loma Linda University and international organizations. She has conducted over 20 years of global health outreach in regions like Ukraine, the Philippines, and Central Asia, emphasizing community health education and preventive care. Her teaching spans courses in health education pedagogy, research methodologies, and applied public health practice.

Her recent projects include evaluating the impact of plant-based nutrition on university students and exploring coping mechanisms among public health workers during the pandemic. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and has secured grants from university centers to address health equity issues in underserved communities.